12 Days • 11 Nights
New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll pick up your car in Christchurch and drive the classic South Island loop — the West Coast glaciers, the lakes of Wanaka and Queenstown, the fiords of Milford Sound and the alps of Mount Cook — stopping wherever the view takes you. Scenic detours, hidden beaches and mountain passes fill the days.
With a hire car, hand-picked hotels, a detailed self-drive itinerary and 24/7 support arranged, it is New Zealand on your own terms.
Trip Highlights
- The freedom of the open road
- The West Coast glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox
- The spectacular Haast Pass drive
- The lakes of Wanaka and Queenstown
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Mackenzie lakes
- Scenic detours at your own pace
- A detailed route and 24/7 support
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive, collect your hire car and settle into the 'Garden City', with a welcome dinner.
Explore Christchurch, or take a scenic drive up to Arthur's Pass and the alpine village, returning for the night.
Drive over the Southern Alps and down the wild West Coast to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier walk or scenic flight, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to lakeside Wanaka.
Explore lovely Lake Wanaka — a walk, a kayak, the Puzzling World or the famous lone willow tree in the lake.
Drive over the scenic Crown Range to Queenstown, stopping in the historic gold town of Arrowtown.
A day of Queenstown — the Skyline Gondola, a lake cruise, and your choice of adventure or wine.
Drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland, and cruise the majestic Milford Sound.
A long, scenic drive through the Mackenzie Country, past the turquoise Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook — a valley walk to the glacier lakes, an optional scenic flight, and the famous dark skies.
A scenic drive back to Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains, returning your car.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Christchurch airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Airport transfers and a hire car for the full journey
- 11 nights in hand-picked South Island hotels
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- A detailed day-by-day self-drive route and map pack
- A Milford Sound cruise and a Franz Josef glacier experience
- Suggested stops, walks and activities along the way
- 24/7 travel support throughout
- All listed activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel, car insurance excess and road tolls
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
Is self-driving in New Zealand easy?
Yes — the roads are quiet, well-maintained and superbly scenic, though winding. Remember to drive on the left, allow plenty of time for the distances, and enjoy the freedom to stop wherever you like.
What support do we get on a self-drive?
We provide your car, all hotels, a detailed day-by-day route with maps and suggested stops, pre-booked key activities, and 24/7 support if you need help along the way.
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